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Common Tasting Terms
Acidity- A critical element of wine, preserves the wine’s freshness.
In excess results in an overly tart and sour wine.
Balance- A desired trait where tannin, fruit and acidity are in total
harmony. Wines with good balance tend to age
gracefully.
Body- The weight and presence of wine in the mouth provided
by the alcohol and tannin level. Full-bodied wines tend
to have this strong concentration.
Bouquet- The blending of a wine’s aroma within the bottle over a
period of time. Caused by volatile acidity.
Complex- A subjective term often used in tasting. A wine is said to
be complex if it offers a variety of flavors and scents that
continue to evolve as it develops.
Flabby- A wine that lacks structure, or is heavy to the taste, lacks
acidity.
Full-Bodied- Wine high in alcohol and extract, generally speaking fills
the mouth, powerful.
Lean- Generally wines that are slim, lacking of generosity or
thin.
Oaky- A desirable flavor imparted to wine if done in
moderation. Most wines are aged in oak barrels 1 to 3
years, thereby receiving this toasty oak characteristic.
However, if a weak wine is left in contact too long with
an oak barrel it will tend to be overpowered with an oaky
taste.
Tannin- Tannins are extracted from the grape skins and stems
and are necessary for a well balanced red wine. Tannins
are easily identified in wine tasting as the drying
sensation over the gums. Tannins generally fade as a
wine ages.
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